Q & A

What is unposed & funposed photography?

Unposed and funposed family photography as a concept is simple – you simply be yourselves. It’s about capturing the fun, silliness and love that exists within each family, how you interact with each other and the unique characters you are. The typical New Zealander is more down to earth, and we’re not about to fill a lounge room wall with a stuffy portrait. If you want to look at an image and say “that is so us!” then unposed photography is for you.

From the photographer, Nykie:

“I approach family photography in a relaxed way. The first few shots are always tense and awkward but as we move on and get to know each other, a family’s own uniqueness tends to come out. It is often lead by the kids, that’s why I call it Unposed or Kid Focused Photography – they’ll be the ones to act the “fool” sooner and come up with fun ideas! Unposed is where I am literally “fly on the wall” documenting you, and Funposed is where I will place you where I need to get best light and backdrops, but then I will usually offer prompts and instructions to create real moments and interaction”

MORE INFO:

Where do you shoot location shoots?
I am based in Muriwai, but will travel within reason. We can find places that are special to your family, or I can suggest places. I know of beaches, parks, even private land I have access too. We are very spoilt here in Auckland, we can do just about any style… even inner-city urban if you that is what you prefer! I also shoot in peoples homes. Often its fun to start off at home and document your everyday wonder 😉

What should I wear to make the most of my portrait session?
I try not to impose too many rules regarding clothing. We want your clothing choices to reflect who you are as people, but we also do not want the clothes to “Steal the Show”. Groups of people should have clothing that is complimentary with one another. For example, we do not want one person standing out in bright orange, whilst everyone else is wearing white. I find mid tones are the best for all kinds of locations and light… So grey/lights blues and pinks etc.. But for a more loud and fun style of shoot you could all be multicoloured, or include patterns like stripes & polka-dots, especially on kids!

Once you make a booking and we have a chat about your style we will get a better concept for clothing choices. I am happy to help you out and supply examples. We can even take a few changes of clothes to the shoot!

Do you recommend a change of clothing?
Yes, in some cases. If we are using two locations that are near to each other, we can totally change the look of your shoot with a quick wardrobe change. If you have kids that hate getting dressed & undressed however, I would be inclined to leave them be!

This little girl had her wee girly dress on hand for a few lovely shots in the grass….

How much time do I need to allow for my portrait session?
One hour is usually ample time for most portrait sessions, with travel time added to that. I do not cap my sessions (within reason). If we need breaks for children, or extra time to “get the shot”, we will do it. Family shoots do often go for longer, especially if we are doing documentary style and capturing you at your home first.

When is the best time of the day for a portrait session?
I prefer to shoot last thing in the day before the sun sets to get that beautiful soft sunlight. However, if this does not suit you we can organise shoots in locations where the sunlight will not interfere with the photos. Especially when we have little kids & babies who need to have naps and breaks earlier in the day, I can be more suitable. We can discuss this when you make a booking. I pride myself on flexibility. Additionally though, if we can break your children’s routines for just one day, I highly recommend late afternoon shoots for the best possible results.

Where do I begin and how do I contact you for more information
Please feel free to call me in business hours 021 833 205
NB: Due to my location, my phone reception can waiver!
therefore; Email is my preference: [email protected]

How long have you been shooting for?
I picked up my first DSLR to learn on in school when I was 16. Since then I have been an avid hobbiest and had my own darkroom in my late teens. I have been shooting professionally since 2009. I have been influenced by my father who was a professional photographer in the fantastic 70’s. I love the raw style of that era, the doco street style photography.

A lifetime of image influence ~ 23 years a hobbiest ~ 6 years as a professional.

What is your style? Do you use props? Do you like black and white imagery?
I would say my style is carefree and fun. Someone described it once as un-cluttered or unposed, which I like, I do prefer not to use too many props in my work. I like cute beanies on kids, and love to chuck in the odd chair if appropriate. Generally I just believe people and peoples interactions with each other are the best “props”. I believe all families have their own crazy little universe that they keep to themselves, I want to capture just a little bit of that. I LOVE LOVE LOVE black and white photos, and I love kids eyes too…. so I tend to fluctuate on shoot between getting crazy moments and sandy toes, then stopping to and getting an engaging portrait concentrating on eyes!

Can you tell me how to pose so I don’t have five chins? Can you photoshop out my chins?
A large part of my training as a photographer is posing, so even though I talk about unposed photography, there is still a small element of direction from me. It’s really important you look great in the shots. I have many tricks up my sleeve. I can photoshop this kind of thing, but would rather get it right in camera. I try to encourage people not to worry about this kind of thing. I truly believe we are all beautiful!
Posing people too much interferes with the true nature of a family or person. I can definitely guide you
but we won’t spend to long micro-adjusting all your body parts 😉

Do you photoshop after the shoot to remove blemishes/mucky patches on kids clothes that I forgot to remove?
Yes, within reason. I do ask clients make an effort to keep their kids as clean as they want them to appear in the photos. But sometimes things happen that is out of our control and so I will tidy up shots. I will discuss with each client what they want. I only perform reasonable amounts of editing on photos. Extra work that drastically changes the image is charged accordingly as it can take a fair amount of time.
Also sometimes mess is GOOD AND FUN!! perhaps your kids want to make mud-pies for the shoot?!

Embrace it!.…….. If that completely freaks you out…… we can choose non-messy locations and still
Have loads of laughs 🙂 x

What props can we bring?
Anything you like really! We can discuss it. I am not a very prop-driven photographer, but if you want things in your photos that are important to you, then by all means, LET’S PLAY!…. Let me know your thoughts and we can come up with some ideas based on props you have.

How long will it take to see proofs?
I usually have a sneak peek on Facebook within 12-24 hours of your shoot.
And a full private gallery on-line within 7-14 days.

I am selling my artistic eye to you, my knowledge, my experience and love for what I do. So I hope you hire me for that.
I promise you, you’ll love your images…… they’ll be of your treasured loved ones!
and they’ll be soulful and beautiful, fun and creative.